2018 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Name: 2018 BMW R 1200GS
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 BMW R 1200GS Overview

For 2018, BMW offers the R 1200GS as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2018 BMW R 1200GS is built around a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 101 x 73 mm. Out on the road, the R 1200GS delivers 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 200 km/h. In everyday use, the 2018 R 1200GS tips the scales at 244 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1,507 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 45.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2018 BMW R 1200GS spec sheet below.

2018 R 1200GS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 850 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the R 1200GS comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the R 1200GS's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by BMW Motorrad Telelever up front and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the R 1200GS removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The R 1200GS's 244 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

R 1200GS - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2018 BMW R 1200GS should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1200GS settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1200GS's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the R 1200GS's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a R 1200GS's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2018 BMW R 1200GS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 2018 BMW R 1200GS?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 200 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS weigh?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS weighs 244 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS make?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS produces 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 BMW R 1200GS?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.

Is the 2018 BMW R 1200GS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS has a seat height of 850 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS uses Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS use?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS runs 120/70-R19 front and 170/60-R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

BMW R 1200GS Spec Evolution

The BMW R 1200GS was produced across 16 model years (2004-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Max Power	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm	-	77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Wet Weight	225 kg / 496 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	229 kg / 505 lbs	229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs	229 kg / 505 lbs	238 kg / 525 lbs	238 kg / 525 lbs	238.1 kg / 525.0 lbs	238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs	238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs	238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs	244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs	244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs	244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs
Dry Weight	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	203 kg / 447.5 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	205 kg / 452 lbs	205 kg / 452 lbs	166 kg / 366.0 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	-	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Ducati 90 degree L-Twin	-	-	-	-	Balancer shaft	Balancer shaft
Engine Type	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Twin	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Top Speed	213 km/h / 132 mph	213 km/h / 132 mph	213 km/h / 132 mph	213 km/h / 132 mph	208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph	208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph	206.8 km/h / 129 mph.	206.8 km/h / 129 mph.	-	-	-	-	-	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Seat Height	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	-	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	851 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.
Fuel Capacity	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions

Top Speed

200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph

Weight

244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons

Full 2018 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Comments Windscreen.

Colours Light White/Black Storm Metallic

Seat Height 850 mm / 33.5 in.

Wheelbase 1,507 mm / 59.3 in.

Height 1,450 mm / 57.1 in.

Length 2,207 mm / 86.9 in.

Width 953 mm / 37.5 in.

Fuel Capacity 20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons

Wet Weight 244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs

Top Speed 200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph

Max Torque 125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Displacement (ci) 71.39 cubic inches

Displacement (cc) 1170.00 cc

CO2 115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Bore x Stroke (mm) 101.0 x 73.0 mm

Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.0 x 2.9 inches

Engine Detail Balancer shaft

Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection

Compression Ratio 12.5:1

Emissions Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Fuel Consumption 4.96 litres/100 km (20.2 km/l or 47.42 mpg)

Fuel Reserve 4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Constant mesh

Frame Type Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine

Suspension - Front BMW Motorrad Telelever

Suspension - Rear Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Rake 25.5°

Trail 100 mm / 3.9 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 190 mm / 7.5 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 200 mm / 7.9 in.

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 12.0 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 305 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 10.9 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 276 mm

Brakes - Front Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.

Rims Aluminium-Gussr?der

Tyres - Front 120/70-R19

Tyres - Rear 170/60-R17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.